The conditions of data distribution depend on the Category of use the data products fall into. Two Categories of use are defined:
Category 1 use:Comprises data which are used for research and applications, including research on long term issues of Earth System science, research and development in preparation for future operational use and ESA internal use. ESA provides Category 1 use data either at reproduction costs or free of charge.
Category 2 use: Comprises all other data which do not fall into Category 1 use, including operational and commercial data. Category 2 use data are provided by Distributing Entities appointed by ESA.
How to apply for Category 1 use data
There are four ways to apply for Category 1 use data, depending on the type of data requested.
A simple Fast Registration is all that is required for data that are systematically acquired, generated and disseminated on line. The acceptance is automatic and data access is provided in 2-3 working days.
Via a Proposal - When the data requirements are subject to specific acquisitions or dissemination constraints. The proposal is submitted to a peer review process and a notification is sent to the user after about eight weeks. If the peer review is successful, the proposal is accepted once the feasibility in terms of data and service provision is confirmed.
Via an ESA Announcement of Opportunity (AO) - When the data fall into the specific subject covered by the AO. The acceptance notification is sent several weeks after the AO closure.
Via a request for ESA EO campaigns datasets - Since 1998 ESA has been running airborne campaigns over different locations inside and outside Europe. The resulting datasets, available on Internet or media, can be accessed by registering a request to ESA.
ERS and ENVISAT: only SAR and ASAR HR (High rate) data is distributed by Distributing Entities. For detailed information on how to apply for Category 2 data, use the contact information below:
EO Data Access
Planning
How to apply for Category 1 use data